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Editorial: Mt. Airy Councilman Strong Insults EDC

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What’s in the water that makes Mount Airy politicians lose it? Oh wait, that’s right- we don’t have any water! So then what in the world are they drinking down at Town Hall? First it was Dave Pyatt doing all the ranting, but now it appears his rants are rubbing off on new Councilman Scott Strong. Strong appeared annoyed and argumentative while sternly and pointedly questioning the Economic Development Commission members at Wednesday night’s special meeting with Economic Development Commission.  


The EDC charged with identifying and securing new business investment for the Town have been eager to meet with either Planning and Zoning or the Town Council to help them understand the direction and long term goals of the new administration.


The problem? Investors and developers aren’t left with a good taste in their mouths when having to deal with the Town and the Planning and Zoning Commission. It’s an uphill battle to even get a project to the concept stage. Town Planner Kelly Ziad said, “there was a particular plan that came through I think that the EDC tried to cooperate with Planning and Zoning and got a little push back, so the Commission thought maybe this isn’t what we should be doing.”  


The particular plan Ziad was referring to was the “Rail Yard” concept presented by Rob Scranton of CBI Development in July of 2010. No action was taken on the plan due to lack of infrastructure. Feeling like the philosophy of the two commissions were not quite in sync regarding “concept plans,” two members of the EDC addressed the Planning and Zoning Board to request a workshop be scheduled to foster better lines of communication and to work together to create a better perception of the Town processes for the potential investment community.  


By January, a workshop never transpired, so Councilwoman Wendi Peters, Liaison to the EDC, requested the Town Council meet with the Commission. A meeting was finally scheduled.


During the meeting each member of the EDC discussed and reviewed a portion of the EDC’s 2009 Work Plan outlining the Commission’s mission, goals and objectives. Commission member Frank Dertzbaugh began the conversation.


“If we can’t at least bring potential investors in the door, and get them through at least a concept, then they will lose interest with all the other hurdles they will have along the way which are many. We are working hard to get them here and we need full support of the Town or a  direction from the Town that gives us a definitive guideline to help promote these opportunities that come along.”


As the conversation continued, Councilman Strong condescendingly interjected comments, seemingly not understanding the premise and underlying reason the meeting was requested. At least that’s the impression he wanted to make. He kept repeating the same question asking what the EDC wanted from the Council, and at one point insulting the overall progress of the commission.  


Jumping all over the place, Councilman Strong made off topic accusations about routine processes he appeared to know little or nothing about and demeaningly questioned volunteer members of the Commission, some who are also prominent long term residents and an integral part of the Greater Mount Airy business community.   

In playing politics Councilman Strong attempted to underscore any accomplishments the EDC has made such as creating and implementing the first Work Plan under the leadership of Chair Andrew Williamson and the guidance of Council Liaison Wendi Peters. He seemed to have an obvious agenda coming into the meeting and his actions clearly show his intentions to negatively portray the members of the EDC. Councilman Strong was adversarial, fishing for a fight and his behavior and demeanor as an elected official was unacceptable.


This is not how I envision my Town government working. I expect these elected public officials to roll up their sleeves and work together to secure the long-term viability for the residents and businesses of Mount Airy. I suggest Councilman Strong carefully consider his strategy and actions as residents in this Town and across the entire country are sick and tired of non-transparent government officials playing games and politics with tax-payers money.


Members of the EDC and Councilwoman Wendi Peters deserve a public apology from Councilman Strong for his inappropriate, insulting and rude behavior.

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